Ban Deplores Blast in Beirut, Urges Lebanese to Stay United

Ban Deplores Blast in Beirut Suburb, Urges All Lebanese to Remain United

New York, Aug 15 2013 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the car bomb explosion that struck a Beirut suburb today, and urged all Lebanese to remain united in the face of such “unacceptable” violence.

At least 14 people have reportedly been killed and another 200 wounded by the blast that targeted the Rouweiss neighbourhood.

Mr. Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, expressed his condolences for those killed and extended his deep sympathies to those injured.

“Such acts of violence are completely unacceptable and only reinforce the determination of the international community to continue supporting Lebanon’s security and stability at a time of severe regional turbulence,” said the statement.

“During this period of heightened tensions, the Secretary-General urges all Lebanese to remain united, to rally around their State institutions and to focus on safeguarding Lebanon’s security and stability.

“He hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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